Finance & Stock Market News


Glance-STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-UK Small Caps close up 1.1 percent

Fri, 13th Feb 2009 17:20




STOCKS NEWS Reuters Results diary

Stocks on the move Real-time Equity News



16:59GMT 13Feb2009-UK Small Caps close up 1.1 percent

-----------------------------------------------------

The FTSE Small Cap index closes up 1.1 percent, while the blue chips close down 0.3 percent, and the midcaps end 0.4 percent higher.

Southern Cross, the UK's largest care home operator, ends the

session up more than 11 percent after a first-quarter trading update, with

Investec Securities highlighting news that debt has reduced by almost 25 million

pounds since the year end and this 'finally (puts) any lingering solvency

concerns to rest in our view.'

Energy and environment consultancy AEA Technology closes more than 9

percent lower after the company says private-sector orders have slowed

significantly in the second half due to the delay in implementation of a

government scheme aimed at reducing carbon emissions and a weak economy.

For more double click on Southern Cross double click on; for

more on AEA double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://tricia.wright.reuters.com@reuters.net



16:27GMT 13Feb 2009-Shares in SMA Solar Tech rise as Goldman ups to 'buy'

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shares in SMA Solar Technology rise 1.7 percent, making them among

the top gainers on Germany's tech stocks, after Goldman Sachs raises

its rating on the solar specialist to 'conviction buy' from 'neutral' and lifts

its price target to 39.5 euros per share from 34.5 euros.

The brokerage says that while installed solar volumes may be flat in 2009,

prices, margins and returns will be higher for SMA inverters, the type in which

SMA specialises.

'In our view, SMA offers strategic value on patent protected products with

first quintile returns, robust balance sheet and cash flow, and solid global

market share,' the brokerage says in a note to client.

Reuters Messaging rm://tyler.sitte.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net



15:11GMT 13Feb2009-Results from L'Oreal, TNT in focus on Mon

------------------------------------------------------------

MAJOR MACROECONOMIC DATA DUE ON MONDAY: (GMT)

U.S. market holiday

No major European data due on Monday.



MAJOR EUROPEAN COMPANIES REPORTING:

Full Year Air Liquide

Full Year L'Oreal SA

Q4 & Full Year TNT

Q4 Securitas AB

H&M January sales

Q4 Premiere



Reuters Messaging rm://blaise.robinson.reuters.com@reuters.net



14:46GMT 13Feb2009-European shares hold onto gains as Wall St. lower

--------------------------------------------------------------------

European shares stay firm as Wall Street starts lower after Britain's Lloyds

Banking Group announces a bigger-than-expected loss.

The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index is 0.6 percent higher at

797.1 points after paring gains following Lloyds' announcement. The Dow Jones

industrial average, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite

are down 0.3-0.6 percent.

Lloyds slumps 27 percent after it says its HBOS unit made a pretax loss of

8.5 billion pounds for 2008, driven by 7 billion

pounds in bad loans at the bank's corporate division and a

further 4 billion pounds in asset write-downs.

HSBC, Barclays, UniCredit, RBS are down 1.1-7.1 percent.

Reuters Messaging

rm://joanne.frearson.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net



14:42GMT 13Feb2009-Lloyds' HBOS shock leads UK banks lower

----------------------------------------------------------

Lloyds Banking Group shares tumble as much as 39.6

percent after its HBOS unit made a hefty loss last year due to

bigger-than-expected bad loans, dragging other UK banks lower

and paring gains on the blue chip FTSE 100.

'The loss on HBOS clearly hurts sentiment,' a trader says.

'Overall, it clearly shows that despite all the government

effort putting in the money, the problem still persists.'

Royal Bank of Scotland sinks 5.8 percent, Barclays loses 5.1 percent, Standard Chartered falls

2.8 percent and HSBC slips 1 percent.

'This merger is turning out to be the merger from hell for

Lloyds,' says Martin Slaney, head of derivatives at GFT Global

Markets.

Reuters Messaging rm://dominic.lau.reuters.com@reuters.net

Reuters Messaging

rm://blaise.robinson.reuters.com@reuters.net



14:35GMT 13Feb2009-Iberdrola up after positive JP Morgan

note

-------------------------------------------------------

Iberdrola shares rise 1.3 percent to 5.58 euros in

early afternoon trade after JP Morgan tagged the stock as a

trading buy after a 9 percent decline in the last two weeks.

'We move back to a trading buy recommendation on the stock

as we believe that investors will be relieved to hear from

management on forward selling and debt refinancing in its 2008

results presentation,' JP Morgan says in a note. Dealers

said the stock could also be supported by hopes that ACS may soon start to increase its stake in Iberdrola

considering that it will shortly receive the money from the sale

of its stake in power group Union Fenosa.

Reuters Messaging://jonathan.gleave.reuters.com@reuters.net



13:57GMT 13Feb2009-Jungheinrich down on peer's poor results

-----------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Jungheinrich, a German company that

makes forklifts and provided logistics services, falls 1.2

percent as one of the biggest decliners in Frankfurt's smallcap

index, after its biggest European competitor KION Group

reports an order decline for 2008.

'Taking the competitor's figures into account this bodes ill

for Jungheinrich,' DZ Bank writes in a note.

'The macro economic headwinds translated into an increasing

momentum of a demand slowdown, which in our view should continue

to persist in 2009.'

For more double click on

Reuters Messaging

rm://christoph.steitz.reuters.com@reuters.net



13:56GMT 13Feb2009-Portugal Telecom jumps on Vivo results

---------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Portugal Telecom (PT) jump 3 percent,

boosted by strong 2008 results at Vivo, the Brazilian

mobile phone operator it controls with Telefonica, and

by positive sentiment in the European telecoms sector.

'PT is rising with Vivo, whose results were positive, and

the fact that the telecoms sector is up is also helping,' a

local dealer says.

Vivo on Friday posted a 2008 net profit of 389.7 million

reais ($170 million) -- its best annual result since it was

formed in 2003.

PT is up 2.97 percent at 6.63, while the PSI20 index is up 0.93 percent and the DJ Stoxx for telecoms rises 1.96 percent.

Reuters Messaging rm://chico.laxmidas@thomsonreuters.com





12:41GMT 13Feb2009-UK small caps gain 0.7 percent midday

--------------------------------------------------------

The FTSE Small Cap index gains 0.7 percent in midday deals, faring

worse than both the blue chips and the midcaps, which add 1.1

percent and 1.6 percent, respectively.

The FTSE Developed European Small Cap index gains 2.3 percent,

and the FTSEurofirst 300 is 2 percent firmer.

Southern Cross, the UK's largest care home operator, rises over 10

percent after a first-quarter trading update, with Investec Securities

highlighting news that debt has reduced by almost 25 million pounds since the

year end, saying this 'finally any lingering solvency concerns to rest in

our view'.

Energy and environment consultancy AEA Technology is off more than 4

percent after the company says private-sector orders have slowed significantly

in the second half due to the delay in implementation of a government scheme

aimed at reducing carbon emissions and a weak economy.

For more double click on Southern Cross double click on; for

more on AEA double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://tricia.wright.reuters.com@reuters.net



12:38GMT 13Feb2009-SolarWorld turns negative; numbers weigh

-----------------------------------------------------------

Shares in German solar company SolarWorld give up earlier gains

and are down 4.9 percent at the bottom of Frankfurt's technology index , as lower-than-expected full-year results weigh on the stock.

Shares in the company had been as much as 4.2 percent earlier on Friday when

analysts pointed to positive statements about business in January.

'The sentiment has turned and that should have happened this morning already

-- the numbers were below market expectations and you always expect SolarWorld

to overshoot forecasts,' a local trader says.

For more double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://christoph.steitz.reuters.com@reuters.net



12:20GMT 13Feb2009-Land Securities up on stake build talk

---------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Land Securities gain 3.1 percent on rumours U.S.

billionaire Samuel Zell could be building a stake in the real estate investment

trust, traders say.

Real estate entreprenuer Zell, chairman and co-founder of U.S. private

investment firm Equity Group Investments, completed a leveraged buyout of the

Tribune Company, publisher of the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times, in

April 2007, and is also owner of the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Following on from big debt reduction cash calls by blue chip peers Hammerson and British Land earlier this week, traders say the perception

is that Land Securities may have missed the rights issue largesse in the sector

and could be looking to raise capital from an outside investor.

At the beginning of January Land Securities raised cash proceeds of 444

million pounds from the sale of its Trillium venture to property investment

group Telereal.

Reuters Messaging rm://jon.hopkins.reuters.com@reuters.net



12:05GMT 13Feb2009-Q-Cells down; Commerzbank cuts target price

--------------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Q-Cells, the world's largest maker of solar cells, fall

2.2 percent to 17.18 euros on Frankfurt's technology index, as

Commerzbank cuts its target price in the company to 17 euros from 20 euros and

keeps its 'reduce' rating on the stock.

'Supply chain checks lead us to believe that average selling prices for

Q-Cells have already dropped 3 percent below our original Q1 estimate and that

all signs point further south,' Commerzbank writes.

The brokerage also points to a negative read across from peers JA Solar that cut its 2009 revenue outlook on Wednesday for the second time in

three months.

Reuters Messaging rm://christoph.steitz.reuters.com@reuters.net



10:58GMT 13Feb2009-Snam down after capital hike

-----------------------------------------------

Shares in gas network operator Snam Rete Gas fall 3.9 percent after

it announces a 3.5 billion euros capital increase to buy 4.72 billion euros

worth of distribution and storage activities from its parent Eni.

Citigroup in a research note says the price for the assets 'looks OK' with

Snam paying about a 4 percent discount to Citi's estimate for the regulated

asset base value for the Stogit storage unit and Italgas distribution unit.

'Minorities have been treated fairly, in our view. Potential cost-cutting

can create further value on top,' Citi says, adding it expects short term

pressure on the share price as the market absorbs 1.7 billion euros of new

stock.

Eni says it will take up its 50 percent share of the rights issue.

Credit Suisse says, in a research note, it sees 'an initial mixed market

reaction' to the announcement, given the size of the rights issue, while

'strategically the deal looks very compelling' with scope for synergies.

Reuters messaging rm://nigel.tutt.reuters.com@reuters.net



10:15GMT 13Feb2009-Hoeft & Wessel up on unit amortisation

---------------------------------------------------------

Shares in German software and hardware maker Hoeft & Wessel gain

14.4 percent after the company says it has fully amortised the goodwill of its

UK subsidiary Metric Group.

'Metric has been fully amortised and I think that this leads to upside

potential at the company to restructure its business,' says Kalliwoda Research

analyst Norbert Kalliwoda.

For more double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://christoph.steitz.reuters.com@reuters.net



10:09GMT 13Feb2009-Infogrames shares sink on sales warning

----------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Infogrames are down 10 percent after the French video

games maker cuts its 2008/09 sales outlook to reflect a decision to cancel some

projects to focus on fewer but better quality games amid a tough economic

climate.

Infogrames now expects flat revenue in FY 2008/09 compared with a previous

guidance of 12-18 percent growth and expects the revision to impact its

profitability. The economic slowdown during the Christmas season also weighed on

third-quarter sales which fell 22.7 percent to 102.3 million euros at current

exchange rates.

'The revised outlook is no real surprise as it follows those of larger

groups but small players are the most badly hurt and there is no visibility on

them,' a sector analyst says.

Reuters Messagingrm://dominique.vidalon.reuters.com@reuters.net



10:07GMT 13Feb2009-Kentz higher after contract win

--------------------------------------------------

Shares in Kentz gain 1.4 percent after the Irish engineering group

wins a contract worth about $35 million in Saudi Arabia.

'This contract is not large in the context of the group with $1 billion of

backlog, but the contract illustrates the attractions of Kentz,' Evolution

Securities says in a note.

The broker points out this is the second contract that has been awarded to

Kentz in Saudi Arabia in the past four months, and repeat business shows they

have good credentials.

Evolution has a 'buy' recommendation on the stock.

For more double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://tricia.wright.reuters.com@reuters.net



09:29GMT 13Feb2009-SolarWorld up; January statement supports

------------------------------------------------------------

Shares in German solar company SolarWorld rise 1.4 percent,

slightly outperforming Frankfurt's technology index, after the company

posts full-year results below expectations, but says sales in January were

higher than in the same period last year.

'Today's release says January sales were up year-on-year, which is

encouraging given the strong winter in Germany,' UBS writes in a note.

The company posts 2008 sales of 900 million euros ($1.16 billion), below an

average forecast of 907 million euros, according to a Reuters poll of analysts.

For more double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://christoph.steitz.reuters.com@reuters.net



09:41GMT 13Feb2009-Continental gains on state aid hopes

-------------------------------------------------------

Shares in German automotive supplier Continental rise 6.7 percent

to the top of Frankfurt's midcap index, on hopes that the company's

major shareholder Schaeffler may get state support.

According to Renate Schmidt, member of the German parliament Bundestag, the

ruling SPD faction has declared state aid for Schaeffler as possible under

certain conditions.

'The initiative of the SPD seems to have triggered a development in the

process,' a Frankfurt-based trader says, adding that this is helping the share.

Schaeffler previously said it needed emergency support from the German

government, as it is burdened with debt that financed the acquisition of

Continental.

For more double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://christoph.steitz.reuters.com@reuters.net

rm://hakan.ersen.reuters.com@reuters.net



09:36GMT 13Feb2009-LSE up on new CEO appointment

------------------------------------------------

Shares in London Stock Exchange rise 4.9 percent on news that Xavier

Rolet will be become the bourse operator's next chief executive, replacing Clara

Furse on May 20.

Merrill Lynch says Rolet is a sound appointment given his strong links with

LSE's key customers, the broker-dealer community, having previously held senior

executive positions at Lehman, Dresdner Kleinwort, CSFB and Goldman Sachs.

The broker says it does not expect a major departure from the current

strategy as Rolet already chairs the LSE's 'Strategic Advisory Committee' which

has enabled him to provide input into the development of the existing business

model.

Merrill Lynch adds whilst Rolet has strong links with the more 'traditional'

broker dealer community he perhaps has less experience with 'high 'frequency'

electronic trading houses who are growing an increasingly important segment of

the market.

The broker says the appointment does not significantly change its views on

LSE and it retains an 'underperform' rating and price objective of 480 pence on

the stock.

For more double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://jon.hopkins.reuters.com@reuters.net



09:30GMT 13Feb2009-Galapagos hits 10-mth high on drug hopes

-----------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Belgian biotechnology firm Galapagos soar 27.3 percent

to a 10-month high of 6.44 euros after the group reveals the discovery of a drug

target for developing a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

'Now that the company has found out what causes Alzheimer's, it can go in

search of medication. There is a lot of interest among pharmaceutical

companies... and I expect deals with major pharmaceutical companies within the

next few years,' Tom Muller, analyst at Dutch brokerage Theodoor Gilissen says.

He expects the group to sign deals with top companies such as Pfizer , GlaxoSmithKline and Merck.

'This offers major potential in terms of milestone payments and royalties if

all goes well,' Muller says.

For more, double click on

Reuters messaging rm://antonia.vandevelde.reuters.com@reuters.net



09:14GMT 13Feb2009-Singulus down; Deutsche Bank cuts to 'sell'

--------------------------------------------------------------

Shares in German technology company Singulus, which also makes

machines to produce blu-ray disks, fall 5 percent to the bottom of Frankfurt's

technology index, after Deutsche Bank downgrades the stock to 'sell'

from 'hold' and cuts its target price to 1.70 euros from 8.90 euros.

'After a tough year in 2008, we believe that things will get worse for

Singulus before getting better,' the brokerage writes in a note.

'On the one hand, we see significantly weaker demand for CD/DVD replication

equipment. Blu-ray, the successor format, however has yet to fill the revenue

gap,' they add.

Reuters Messaging rm://christoph.steitz.reuters.com@reuters.net



09:16GMT 13Feb2009-JJB Sports up on bank deal extension

-------------------------------------------------------

Shares in JJB Sports rise 2 percent after the struggling sportswear

retailer says its lenders have agreed to extend until Mar. 16 the terms of a

bank deal struck in December subject to the progress it makes on the sale of its

Fitness Clubs unit.

The extension -- granted by JJB's lenders HBOS, Barclays

and Kaupthing -- now allows the group to dispose of its Fitness Clubs business,

proceeds from which could pay off most of its 60 million pound debt.

'It's no great surprise that the extension has gone through

as the banks obviously have good visibility on the sale of the

gyms business and know they'll get paid if it goes ahead. There

are a number of bidders in play apparently and there's no reason

for the banks to derail the sale process,' says KBC Peel Hunt

retail analyst John Stevenson.

For more, click on

Reuters messaging rm://rhysl.jones.reuters.com@reuters.net



09:06GMT 13Feb2009-Bull rises after exceeding 2008 goals

---------------------------------------------------------

Shares in French computer services group Bull jump

13.8 percent after it posts 2008 earnings before interest and

taxes (EBIT) of 30.1 million euros, beating its own guidance for

25-27 million euros. Strong cash generation and a sharp

reduction in debt also provide support.

'The group has released excellent results with a cautious

2009 guidance but this is no surprise,' says CM-CIC Securities

in a note, keeping a 'buy' rating.

Shares in Bull are up 28.7 percent so far this year, while

the DJ Stoxx tech index is up 1.4 percent.

Reuters Messaging

rm://dominique.vidalon.reuters.com@reuters.net



09:04GMT 13Feb2009-Centrosolar gains on strong 2008 figures

-----------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Centrosolar gain 6 percent making it one

of the top gainers in the German stock universe, as the

photovoltaic systems specialist reports strong full-year

figures.

'Revenues were above both my expectations and those of the

market. EBIT and EBT numbers were closer to expectations,

perhaps a bit stronger than expected,' says SES Research analyst

Karsten von Blumenthal.

Centrosolar reports an EBIT of 12.2 million euros ($15.76

million) versus 5 million euros from 2007.

Reuters Messaging

rm://tyler.sitte.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net



08:57GMT 13Feb2009-Pernod Ricard surges after keeping

forecast



--------------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Pernod Ricard jump 7.2 percent, topping the FTSEurofirst

300's leaderboard, after the maker of Absolut Vodka and Jameson whiskey

sticks to its goal to boost recurring net profit to over 1 billion euros ($1.28

billion) in fiscal 2008/09 as consumers continue to buy wine and spirits despite

the economic slowdown.

'The first-half operating performance in profitability terms is

impressive...We view the first-half performance and the outlook as a powerful

retort to those concerned by the level of debt at the company, such that it pops

up on any screen for heavily indebted and therefore 'risky' companies,' Collins

Stewart analysts write in a note.

After 45 minutes of trading, the volume on Pernod Ricard shares already

represents 75 percent of the stock's 90-day average daily volume, compared with

9 percent for France's CAC 40.

For a story on Pernod Ricard results, click on:

Reuters Messaging rm://blaise.robinson.reuters.com@reuters.net



08:55GMT 13Feb2009-Garanti shares rise on earnings cheer

--------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Turkish bank Garanti rise 2.3 percent to 2.22 lira

after investors welcome in-line results issued after markets closed on Thursday.

Garanti, the bourse's most actively traded stock, outperforms Istanbul's

stock index, which traded up 1.87 percent and the index of Turkish

banking stocks, up 1.38 percent.

'The bank managed to post decent earnings and profitability under the

extremely tough and volatile conditions of the fourth-quarter of 2008, thanks to

strong trading income in government securities, strict cost controls and strong

fee generation,' analysts at Tera Stock Brokers write in a research note.

Reuters Messaging rm://alexandra.hudson.reuters.com@reuters.net



08:52GMT 13Feb2009-Kingfisher gains on UBS upgrade

--------------------------------------------------

Shares in Kingfisher gain 6.2 percent to top the FTSE 100

leaderboard as UBS ups its rating to 'buy' from 'neutral' with a raised target

price of 160 pence, up from 132, and increases estimates.

In a note, UBS says although there is no evidence yet that demand is

improving, the capacity situation in both the retail and trade markets, and a

better outlook on costs, suggest profit forecasts for Kingfisher's B&Q unit may

be on the turn.

The broker ups its 2008-09 EPS forecast for Kingfisher to 11.3 pence from

10.8, in line with consensus, on currency factors and a better fourth-quarter

cost performance at B&Q.

UBS raises its 2009-10 EPS estimate to 10 pence from 9.0 for the same

reasons, although there is some offset from weaker International operations.

Reuters Messaging rm://jon.hopkins.reuters.com@reuters.net



08:43GMT 13Feb2009-Southern Cross up on debt reduction

------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Southern Cross, the UK's largest care home operator, rise

8.5 percent as the company reports in a first-quarter interim management

statement (IMS) that it has cut its debt to 73.9 million pounds.

'The most important element of Southern Cross' Q1 IMS was the news that debt

has reduced by almost 25 million pounds since the year end ... finally putting

any lingering solvency concerns to rest in our view,' said analyst Sebastien

Jantet at Investec in a note to clients.

To see the full story, please click on

Reuters messaging rm://ben.deighton.reuters.com@reuters.net



08:40GMT 13Feb2009-ThyssenKrupp gains on solid third-quarter figures

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Shares in ThyssenKrupp gain 5 percent, the top gainer among German

large-caps, as the steel and engineering company reports

consensus-beating first-quarter figures, which include a more moderate decline

in new orders than feared.

'The group's incoming orders surprised on the upside,' says DZ Bank analyst

Dirk Schlamp.

'The incoming orders (and) the better-than-expected core EBT figure as well

as the group's outlook will most likely lead to a positive share price reaction

today,' Schlamp adds.

Christian Obst, Unicredit analyst, says: 'We got the impression that the

company has to improve cost-cutting measures to secure (its high) debt level. In

our view, a further rise of the net debt is the main risk for the company going

forward,' Obst says, reiterating his brokerage's 'hold' rating on the stock.

For more double click on,

Reuters Messaging rm://tyler.sitte.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net



08:30GMT 13Feb2009-Air France-KLM up after quarterly results

------------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Air France-KLM rise 6 percent -- the second biggest

gainers on the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares -- after

the company posts a quarterly loss and pledges to cut costs.

'The earnings are in line with the company's recent profit warning. Although

most bad news was known, the fact that it is unwinding a big part of its fuel

hedges is a good signal,' one Paris-based trader says.

Air France-KLM stock has gained 19 percent since touching a historical low

on Jan 23.

Reuters Messaging rm://blaise.robinson.reuters.com@reuters.net



08:30GMT 13Feb2009-UK small caps gain 0.2 percent early

-------------------------------------------------------

The FTSE Small Cap index gains 0.2 percent in early trade,

underperforming both the blue chips and the midcaps, which add

1.4 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively.

The FTSE Developed European Small Cap index is 2.2 percent

higher, while the FTSEurofirst 300 rises 1.7 percent.

Southern Cross, Britain's largest care home operator, jumps over 8

percent after reporting a 7.8 percent rise in first-quarter revenues helped by

more beds and weekly fee rates, and said it was to focus on providing better

service.

Energy and climate change consultancy AEA Technology is off more

than 4 percent after a trading update in which the company says private sector

orders have slowed significantly in the second half.

For more on Southern Cross double click on; for more on AEA

double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://tricia.wright.reuters.com@reuters.net



08:32GMT 13Feb2009-IL&P up after directors resign

-------------------------------------------------

Shares in Irish Life & Permanent jump 12 percent in early trade

after the banking and insurance group says two senior executives will leave over

its controversial transfers to Anglo Irish Bank. It refuses to accept its chief

executive's offer to resign.

Traders say much of the rise, in thin volumes, is likely due to

short-covering and expect the shares to retrace some of the gains later.

'I suppose the fact that they have done something has appeased some people

but I can't see it lasting,' one dealer says.

For more double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://carmel.crimmins.reuters.com@reuters.net



08:09GMT 13Feb2009-STMicro rises after UBS upgrade

--------------------------------------------------

Shares in Franco-Italian chip maker STMicroelectronics gain 3.1

percent, featuring among the top five gainers on the CAC 40, after UBS

upgrades its recommendation on the stock to 'neutral' from 'sell'.

'Recent conversations with semis executives indicate that cancellations and

pushouts have subsided from the December levels, and orders for Wireless have

stabilised, if not improved, in places. We believe that this comes as a result

of the semis industry significantly undershooting actual end consumption since

Sept,' UBS analysts write in a note.

Shares in STM are down 9.4 percent so far this year, while the DJ Stoxx tech

index is up 2.5 percent year-to-date.

Reuters Messaging rm://blaise.robinson.reuters.com@reuters.net



07:48GMT 13Febn2009-Strong first-quarter numbers boost Carl Zeiss

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Carl Zeiss rise 6.8 percent in pre-bourse trade,

according to data from brokerage Lang & Schwarz, supported by the optics

specialist's strong first-quarter results.

'(These are) brilliant operating numbers at first glance,' says a

Frankfurt-based trader.

The trader notes the shares lost heavily yesterday and the numbers should

support an advance Friday, perhaps reaching resistance levels around 9.30-9.60

euros per share.

Carl Zeiss reported a 53.6 percent increase in earnings before interest and

taxes (EBIT) to 12.7 million for the first three months of its 2008/09 fiscal

year on sales which rose 25.5 percent to 21.5 million euros.

For more double click on

Reuters Messaging rm://tyler.sitte.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net



07:39GMT 13Feb2009-European stock index futures point to higher start

---------------------------------------------------------------------

European stock index futures point to a rise, tracking gains in Asian

shares, with commodities stocks seen getting support from a rise in crude and

metals prices.

Eurostoxx 50, German DAX and French CAC 40 futures

are up between 1.1 percent and 1.5 percent. Financial spreadbetters see

Britain's FTSE 100 opening as much as 1.5 percent higher.

Investors are waiting for votes on the $789 billion U.S. economic stimulus

bill and more news about an Obama administration programe to subsidise mortgages

in a new front to fight the credit crisis.



EUROPEAN COMPANIES

Air France-KLM

Michelin

ThyssenKrupp

Aeroports de Paris

Cofinimmo

EliCorp

Eurazeo

Valeo S.A.

Snam Rete Gas S.p.A

SES

AsAbloy AB



U.S. COMPANIES

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Cognizant Tech. Solutions

PepsiCo

Wyndham Worldwide



MACRO (GMT):

0700 DE GDP Flash

0745 FR Budget/payrolls

0750 FR GDP

0900 IT GDP Prelim

1000 EZ DP Flash

1455 US U. Mich Inflation

1530 ECRI Weekly

Reuters Messaging rm://peter.starck.reuters.com@reuters.net

Keywords: MARKETS EUROPE STOCKSNEWS =4



COPYRIGHT
Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved.
The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.



Next Article: UPDATE 4-Lloyds Banking unveils 8.5 bln pound HBOS loss

Back to Finance News


Share Price, Share Chat, Stock Market news at lse.co.uk
Member Services
Completely FREE with online Share Chat!
FREE Portfolio and Personalised Watchlist
Share Price, Share Chat, Stock Market news at lse.co.uk

Datafeed and UK data supplied by ProQuote. While London South East do their best to maintain the high quality of the information displayed on this site, we cannot be held
responsible for any loss due to incorrect information found here. All information is provided free of charge, 'as-is', and you use it at your own risk!
The contents of all 'Chat' messages should not be construed as advice and represent the opinions of the authors, not those of London South East Limited, or its affiliates.
London South East does not authorise or approve this content, and reserves the right to remove items at its discretion.